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Hyundai Genesis

The Hyundai Genesis is a four-door sedan that was introduced in 2009 and represented Hyundai's first foray into the luxury car market. Affordably priced despite being decked out in luxury features, the Genesis emerged as a reasonably-priced alternative to many similar sedans produced by established luxury brands such as Acura, Lexus, and Infiniti. During the relatively brief run of production, Hyundai implemented few changes to the model.

Hyundai was once branded with a reputation for producing affordable vehicles that were rather questionable in terms of quality and reliability. However, in recent years, the company has taken pains to revitalize its reputation by introducing quality vehicles that remain affordably priced. The four-door Genesis luxury sedan is a good example. While its sticker price remains relatively low, the Genesis is a handsomely-styled, opulent, quiet-running vehicle that comes well-equipped with standard features. In spite of its affordable price, the Genesis offers drivers an enticing combination of power, performance, and luxury.

Hyundai Genesis Features

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis is a full-size four-door luxury sedan that delivers many of the features drivers associate with brands like Acura and Lexus, at a much more down-to-earth price. The 2012 Genesis is available in three trim levels: 3.8, 4.6, and 5.0 R-Spec.

The base model 3.8 version is outfitted with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, keyless ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, front-seat heating, leather upholstery, and an eight-way power driver seat. Technological features include Bluetooth connectivity and a sound system equipped with seven speakers, a CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary power jack, and an iPod/USB interface. There is also a Premium package available that includes the addition of 18-inch wheels, automatic wipers, power-folding side mirrors, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver memory functions, as well as leather dash and door trim. The Technology package includes additional features such as adaptive HID headlamps, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning system, electronic parking brake, improved leather upholstery, rear seat heating, a rotary-knob based multimedia interface with 8-inch display and a Lexicon sound system that's equipped with 17 speakers, HD radio, and a dash-mounted six-CD changer.

The 4.6 trim level includes both the Premium and Technology packages as standard equipment and substitutes a wood-trimmed steering wheel for the leather-bound one. Meanwhile, the 5.0 R-Spec versions also sport all the features from the Premium and Technology packages along with 19-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension and steering system.

The trim level numbers for the Hyundai Genesis denote engine displacement. It makes sense then, that the 3.8 features a 3.8-liter direct-injected V-6 engine that's rated at 333 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. The 4.6, meanwhile, features a 4.6-liter V-8 that outputs 385 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line 5.0 R-Spec is powered by a 5.0-liter direct injected V-8 that's rated at 429 horsepower and outputs 376 lb-ft of torque. All models of the 2012 Genesis come standard equipped with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission equipped with manual shift control. The 3.8's EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19/29 mpg city/highway. The 4.6 meanwhile, earns an estimate of 17/26 mpg city/highway, while the 5.0 R-Spec earns an estimated rating of 16/25 mpg city/highway.

In addition to offering reasonable amounts of luxury and performance, the 2012 Genesis also earns good marks for safety. On frontal offset, side, and roof strength tests, the car earned a good rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Standard safety features on the 2012 Genesis include antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, active front head restraints, front and rear side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Additional safety features such as parking sensors and lane-departure warning systems are available as options on the 3.8 while being standard for both the 4.6 and 5.0 R-Spec.

The Genesis' opulent interior features a spacious cabin and controls that are well laid out and easy to make use of. All models of the car are fairly laden with technological features and modern vehicle comforts. The more upmarket versions are certainly as comfortable and well equipped as many of the current models produced by Acura or Lexus. Seating for both passengers and driver are reported to be comfortable. Even the rear seats provide ample head and legroom while offering the option of an in-seat heater.

Hyundai Genesis Evolution

Since its introduction in 2009, various progressive changes have been made to the Hyundai Genesis. Models from 2010 on offer features such as adaptive cruise control, electronic parking brakes, and a touchscreen navigation system. In 2011, Hyundai increased the horsepower output of the V-8 version from 375 to 385. A year later, the 5.0 R-Spec was added to the Genesis vehicle lineup. That same year also marked the first time the Genesis was made available with an eight-speed transmission. Models from before that time were equipped with six-speed transmissions.

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan gains a new trim level at the top of the range: the new 5.0 R-Spec, which features a larger and more powerful 5.0-liter V-8 engine. . The 4.6-liter V-8 becomes the mid-range option for the 2012 Genesis, while a new eight-speed automatic transmission replaces last year's six-speed automatic for better acceleration and fuel economy. The 3.8-liter V-6 gains direct-injection for more power and increased fuel efficiency. Headlights have been redesigned and now include LED accents. A lane departure warning system is now optional. The taillights and exhaust tips are also new. Power-folding mirrors have been added and now feature puddle lights.

Not much changes for the Genesis for the 2011 model year. The company simplified the number of interior/exterior color combinations available from 16 to 13. The only other change is that the 3.8 Technology package now is standard on all 4.6 models. This includes a 17-speaker 7.1 surround sound audio system, navigation, rearview backup camera, Bluetooth, smart cruise control, and cooled driver seat.

Even though the 2009 Hyundai Genesis began as a mere concept car at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, the popularity of the design led Hyundai to develop the vehicle to show that the company can compete with top vehicle manufacturers.